Ultimate Guide to Global Entry Interviews: Scheduling Tips & Essential Items

If you travel internationally (even just once or twice a year), chances are you’ve heard of the Global Entry program. This Trusted Traveler Program allows approved travelers to speed through customs after an international trip, and the time and energy saved by avoiding those long lines can be well worth the cost of the application.

To be accepted into the Global Entry program, you need to fill out an application, pay a fee, and complete an in-person interview. The Global Entry interview may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a quick and easy process. Here’s everything you need to know about the Global Entry application process, including how to schedule and complete the interview and tips for making the entire process quick and efficient.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is one of five Trusted Traveler Programs available in the U.S. Administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, it offers pre-approved travelers an expedited screening process upon arrival in the United States after an international trip.

Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Children must have their own Global Entry membership to use the expedited lanes.

Frequent travelers and travel professionals agree that Global Entry is worth the effort of applying and going through the interview process. “If you travel out of the country more than once a year, you need this,” says Faith Ann Liuzzo-Bartholomew, a travel advisor with FAB Travel Group. “I have seen so many people miss their connections because of the lines at customs,” she adds.

It’s advisable to apply for Global Entry long before you want to use it. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the total application processing time can be as long as four to six months.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck

Global Entry is not the same as TSA PreCheck. Global Entry offers expedited processing when returning to the U.S. after an international trip, while TSA PreCheck is a program that offers expedited screening at TSA airport security checkpoints.

You can be a member of both programs; in fact, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, making it beneficial for frequent travelers to consider applying for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck.

Cost of Global Entry

Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get that fee reimbursed with the right credit card. Many top travel rewards credit cards come with a Global Entry fee credit that will cover the entire $100 cost. For instance, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and The Platinum Card from American Express are just a few examples of cards offering this benefit.

The credits on these cards are available once every four years, so you’ll be eligible for a new credit each time you renew your membership. If you have more than one card that has a Global Entry fee credit, you can use the additional credits to pay for application fees for friends or family members.

Scheduling a Global Entry Interview

Prior to scheduling your Global Entry interview, you’ll need to create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. After submitting the application and paying the $100 fee, your account will be reviewed, and a background check will be performed. Once you receive conditional approval, you’ll be instructed to schedule your in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

However, scheduling an interview can be challenging. Not only do interviews often book months in advance, but many states only have one or two Global Entry Enrollment Centers, while some have none.

If your interview is scheduled later than you’d prefer, make sure to continue checking the schedule for earlier openings.

Global Entry Interview Process

On the day of your Global Entry interview, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to avoid losing your time slot. When you arrive, ensure you have the following required documents:

• A valid passport (bring all if you have multiple)
• Proof of residency, such as your driver’s license with current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. (not needed for minors)
• Permanent resident card, if applicable

The interview typically lasts a short duration. Generally, a Customs and Border Patrol officer will verify your documents and ask a few questions about your application and travel plans. Then, your fingerprints and photo will be taken.

Although the Global Entry interview may seem daunting, the process is straightforward and usually takes just 15 minutes or less.

As noted by Lillie West, President and CEO of Lillie West and Associates, LLC: “I was surprised at how brief and straightforward my interview was. The Customs officer validated my information, checked my ID, and asked if I had any questions. The entire process took about 10 minutes.”

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) and can begin using the benefits immediately. You will also receive a Global Entry card in the mail after your interview, which can be utilized when entering the U.S. through SENTRI or NEXUS lanes at land crossings.

Enrollment on Arrival

Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) permits conditionally approved applicants to complete the Global Entry interview at select airports upon returning from an international flight. This option avoids the need for a separate interview scheduling.

When arriving at participating airports, follow the Global Entry signs directing you to a Customs and Border Patrol officer who can conduct the interview. For Enrollment on Arrival, you’ll need the same documents as for your standard interview:

• A valid passport (if you have more than one, bring them all)
• Proof of residency, such as your driver’s license with current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. (not required for minors)
• Permanent resident card, if applicable

Currently, Enrollment on Arrival services are available at 65 airports around the globe. No appointment is necessary for an EoA interview; however, know that availability may vary, and it’s advisable to schedule an interview as a backup.

If you have a scheduled interview yet can utilize EoA, your original interview will be automatically canceled once your full Global Entry membership is approved.